Iran begins three-day farewell ceremony for slain leader Khamenei in Tehran

Iran's capital will host the commencement of farewell ceremonies Wednesday evening for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed alongside family members and senior military commanders in Saturday's US-Israeli airstrike. The Islamic Propagation Coordination Council announced that proceedings will begin at 10 p.m. local time at Imam Khomeini Mosalla, the grand prayer complex where Friday congregational prayers are traditionally held.

Three Days of Mourning

Khamenei's body will lie in state at the Mosalla for three days, with doors open to mourners wishing to pay their final respects. Special religious and cultural programs have been scheduled for each day. The funeral procession will follow the three-day mourning period, with organizers still finalizing details. Media reports indicate Khamenei is likely to be buried in his birthplace of Mashhad, the northeastern city where his father rests at the revered shrine of Imam Reza.

Family Members and Nationwide Toll

Khamenei's slain family members—including his wife, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren—will be buried on the same day. They were among nearly 800 people killed nationwide since Saturday's offensive began, including 165 schoolchildren in the southern city of Minab. Heightened security measures will be in place for both the mourning ceremony and funeral procession as attacks continue from both sides in the escalating conflict.